Trump signs new Russia and Iran sanctions law, measures could also affect buyers of Russian energy

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a new law expanding sanctions against Russia and Iran, giving the United States administration additional tools to increase economic pressure on Moscow.

The legislation is titled the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026” and includes measures targeting Russian officials, oligarchs, banks and financial institutions with ties to Russia.

One of the key provisions allows the U.S. president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that import oil and natural gas from Russia. Implementing these measures is not mandatory, but the president has been granted the authority to impose them.

The greatest impact could be felt in China and India, which rank among the main buyers of Russian oil. Through this option, Washington aims to increase economic pressure on Moscow and reduce the revenue Russia earns from energy exports.

The sanctions package also extends to Russia’s energy and defense sectors, as well as individuals and companies that support Russian activities.

The new measures are not limited to Moscow. The law also expands sanctions against Iran, including its energy and arms sectors.

Before reaching the president’s desk, the bill was passed by the Senate and then by the House of Representatives, where it received support from lawmakers from both parties.

The law is named after Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters, who died in July.

Trump’s signature marks a new U.S. step toward strengthening economic pressure on Russia. However, whether tariffs will be imposed on countries that buy Russian energy remains a decision for the U.S. president.